Justified Performance Creates a One-of-a-Kind 1953 Chevy 3100
Building an over-the-top custom truck these days is much harder than it was 10 years ago. The bar has been set so high that creating a standout pickup often requires an array of subtle, creative modifications rather than just a couple of in-your-face changes. The team at Justified Performance in Rocklin, California, set two goals for customer Tim Horner’s 1953 Chevy five-window pickup. First, they wanted to exceed Tim’s expectations. Second, the team wanted to use Justified’s skills and in-house products to accomplish that goal.
To that end, the crew at the shop began with a custom Justified chassis crafted from TIG-welded rails and crossmembers fitted with an independent front suspension, air ride components, power rack-and-pinion steering, and Wilwood disc brakes on all four corners. A Justified-built 9-inch Ford rearend houses 4.11 gears. Schott 19×9- and 22×12-inchwheels are wrapped in Michelin rubber.
The chassis was fitted with a 376c.i. LS3 V8 that produces 525 horsepower and utilizes an Inglese eight-stack fuel injection setup. A Holley Terminator Max ignition system provides the spark. The accessory drive chores are handled by an Eddie Motorsports package, while custom-built valve covers feature badging with the truck’s name – Gatsby. Exhaust waste travels through Summit Racing headers and a custom-built exhaust system. The GL80 automatic transmission is controlled by a Lokar shifter.
In addition to straightening and repairing the original 1953 Chevy sheet metal, the Justified team tweaked, massaged, and modified almost every part of the exterior, as well as the metal under the hood. A smoothed firewall, custom inner fender panels and a hand-built radiator cover focus attention on the powerplant. The hood seam was smoothed, factory badging deleted, and the headlights were frenched. The heavily reworked bed was modified to match the cab’s contour. The bed floor is hand-formed wood covered in epoxy. The rear fenders were stretched and mated to custom side steps. The front bumper was smoothed and moved closer to the body. A custom tailgate and custom rear roll pan were added, along with one-off taillights. The Valspar Autumn Green finish was applied by the Justified paint team.
The interior features a modified ’53 Corvette dash to hold Dakota Digital gauges, as well as sound system controls and air-conditioning outlets for the Vintage Air system. A Billet Specialties steering wheel is wrapped in leather to match the interior upholstery produced by Paco’s Upholstery in Roseville, California. The custom seats and door panels are covered in two shades of leather, as is the console.
In the end, the team at Justified Performance met its goals for this 1953 Chevy pickup. They exceeded Tim’s expectations with “Gatsby” and crafted a distinctive custom truck that will never fail to stand out in a crowd.
Photos: Todd Ryden
